26 January 2012

Review: The Rook

I'll put this out there immediately - this is likely to be a front runner for my favorite book of 2012. I've not been able to get into urban fantasy, but this book may have changed my mind on the genre on a whole. It's that good.

The book benefits by not wasting much time at all. Myfawny Thomas wakes up with a bunch of bodies littered around her and no recollection of who she is, what happened, or how she got there. There is, however, a note in her pocket that starts to explain things. It turns out that Thomas is a member of an elite supernatural protection agency for the United Kingdom, and someone has wiped her clean.

I don't want to give up too much more than that, because the book is outright brilliant. It doesn't take itself too seriously at all, which mean you get the occasional joke or wink along the way. The conceit is great and, while not new, doesn't feel old or tired. There's an opening for sequels perhaps, but works beautifully as a stand-alone as well.

Seriously, this book is great. If you have even a passing interest in mysteries, in urban fantasy or similar nerdy concepts, put this book on your list next. Highest possible recommendation on this. I wish I could buy myself a copy right now.